Sometimes we all need a little break. Like, more often than we care to admit. Well, not all of us have budgets that can accommodate spa days as frequently as we’d like. But with a carton of drugstore Epsom salts and just a few ingredients from your backyard and pantry, you’re on your way to an indulgent bathtime experience that can really take the edge off. (A few cucumber slices over the eyes and some Enya on the stereo and now we’re in business, baby.) Assembling these easy bath salts is a fun activity to do with budding DIY teens or girlfriends, and packed up in a pretty jam jar with a homemade label—you don’t necessarily need to break out the watercolors like yours truly did, on an artistic whim—they make a thoughtful gift for any beauty junkies in your circle. Below are my “flavor” creations, but go wild and experiment with whatever ingredients you’ve got on hand!
Bourbon Vanilla and Spice Orange Bath Salts
1½ cups Epsom salt
¼ cup apricot kernel oil*
1 vanilla bean
3 tablespoons freshly grated orange zest
1 teaspoon bourbon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon coarsely ground cinnamon
Using a paring knife, carefully split the vanilla bean and scrape out the vanilla caviar. Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly to combine. Store in a sealed container for up to one week. To use, dissolve desired amount in warm running bath water.
Lavender and New Mint Bath Salts
1½ cups Epsom salt
¼ cup apricot kernel oil*
¼ cup dried lavender flower buds
½ cup fresh mint leaves, minced
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly to combine. Store in a sealed container for up to one week. To use, dissolve desired amount in warm running bath water.
Meyer Lemon and Ginger Bath Salts
1½ cups Epsom salt
¼ cup apricot kernel oil*
2-3 tablespoons fresh Meyer lemon zest
2-3 tablespoons peeled and freshly grated ginger root
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly to combine. Store in a sealed container for up to one week. To use, dissolve desired amount in warm running bath water.
White Grape and Green Tea Bath Salts
1½ cups Epsom salt
¼ cup apricot kernel oil*
¼ cup white grapes, macerated
¼ cup loose-leaf green tea
2 drops tea tree oil
Add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl and stir thoroughly to combine. Store in a sealed container for up to one week. To use, dissolve desired amount in warm running bath water.
Note:
*Instead of apricot kernel oil, which can be hard to find outside of specialty stores like Whole Foods or the beauty sections of other natural foods stores, you may substitute vitamin E oil or liquid lanolin. Or, for a less moisturizing bath salt mixture, simply omit the oil altogether.
